Torello H. Calvani

Partner

Overview

A civil litigator, Torello H. Calvani represents national and international clients in securities, general commercial and bankruptcy litigation. An experienced and practical advocate, Torello takes pride in the work he does advising clients through a wide range of commercial disputes, whether in mediation, arbitration or litigation in state and federal trial and appellate courts.

Select Experience

Since 2010, has been a part of the litigation team representing the Securities Investor Protection Act (SIPA) trustee in the liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC (BLMIS). Has been actively involved in the worldwide investigation and asset recovery efforts being conducted by the SIPA trustee for the benefit of BLMIS customers. His work on behalf of the SIPA trustee primarily involves litigation against offshore BLMIS feed fund defendants, former BLMIS employee defendants and financial institution defendants who issued structures products underlying BLMIS feeder funds.

Represented a former chief financial officer in a contract dispute with the nation's largest mortgage real estate investment trust. The case involved an American Arbitration Association proceeding following the client's resignation for good reason. After a weeklong arbitration, the parties settled for the client's full demand amount.

Represented the court-appointed receiver of a loan origination and servicing company in a consumer fraud case brought by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Advised the client in litigation over sales of company assets, and successfully defended the client against breach of fiduciary claims in district court and the court of appeals.

Experience

Since 2010, has been a part of the litigation team representing the Securities Investor Protection Act (SIPA) trustee in the liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC (BLMIS). Has been actively involved in the worldwide investigation and asset recovery efforts being conducted by the SIPA trustee for the benefit of BLMIS customers. His work on behalf of the SIPA trustee primarily involves litigation against offshore BLMIS feed fund defendants, former BLMIS employee defendants and financial institution defendants who issued structures products underlying BLMIS feeder funds.

Represented a former chief financial officer in a contract dispute with the nation's largest mortgage real estate investment trust. The case involved an American Arbitration Association proceeding following the client's resignation for good reason. After a weeklong arbitration, the parties settled for the client's full demand amount.

Represented the court-appointed receiver of a loan origination and servicing company in a consumer fraud case brought by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Advised the client in litigation over sales of company assets, and successfully defended the client against breach of fiduciary claims in district court and the court of appeals.

Defended a broker/dealer employee against charges brought by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority following termination of employment. Obtained settlement in favor of the client following successful Wells submission.

Represented officers and directors of a global organic food company in a Securities and Exchange Commission investigation and in private class action litigation under Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act arising out of a restatement of company earnings.

Represented a foreign online game developer in class action litigation under Section 11 of the Securities Act for failure to disclose information prior to its initial public offering.

Member of the team representing a financial institution during an auction-rate, securities-related investigation brought by the New York State attorney general.

Pro Bono

Obtained a $1 million judgment in a 1985 civil rights action against the state of New York stemming from allegations of abuse and neglect in group homes operated by the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.